New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina’s impressive defensive rating in France

New York Knicks, Frank Ntilikina
Nov 14, 2018; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Raymond Felton (2) dribbles the ball defended by New York Knicks guard Frank Ntilikina (11) during the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks point guard Frank Ntilikina is steadily improving his overall game overseas with France in five preparation games before they begin competing for medals.

Ntilikina so far has an impressive defensive rating of 66.1 in five preparation games. From the looks of it, Ntilikina is adapting and gaining confidence with his teammates. Rudy Gobert and Nicolas Batum rave about the talent Ntilikina possesses. It’s just a matter of grooming his game and putting everything together. He has the early makings of a solid two-way glue player for the Knicks moving forward.

Even though the game is played slightly different overseas, this kind of experience for Frank is priceless. This is what Ntilikina needs the most, and that is reps and playing time, plus it doesn’t hurt playing with actual NBA vets on the French team.

This opportunity also displays how the French coach uses Frank Ntilikina in different basketball situations. If you’re curious about how Frank is used with the French team, you should watch the highlights.

Ntilikina is playing superb basketball in France, either he is getting steals, deflections and taking charges, or offensively setting the table for teammates. He’s playing high IQ basketball, and it’s leading to wins so far for the French team. Can Ntilikina bring this style of playback to New York? That remains to be seen, ladies and gentlemen.